Supercars are often seen as the pinnacle of success, symbolising financial progress and taste. However, they can also be a crutch—difficult to drive daily, fuel-hungry, and not exactly eco-friendly, despite limited use. Enter the McLaren Artura Spider. Along with its powerful turbocharged hybrid powertrain, race-honed dynamics, emphatic dihedral doors, and convertible top, it also features an emission-free EV mode and other practical innovations to help flip the script on supercar ownership.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The McLaren Artura’s exterior is a stunning amalgam of art and engineering. Its styling reflects McLaren’s signature design language seen on the 750S and others. With a low-slung body, pointy nose, and sculpted bodywork featuring strategically placed ducts and vents for cooling and aerodynamics, the Artura’s design is both functional and striking. The rear stands out too with strip-type lighting over a hexagonal mesh, a pronounced rear splitter, and twin exhaust tips. Overall, despite all the bold details and exceptional allure, it retains a surprisingly understated look for the kind of power it delivers. What makes up for it are the iconic upswinging dihedral doors, guaranteeing an emphatic entrance, whether you like it or not.
But the highlights don’t end there. The new Retractable Hard Top fully retracts in just 11 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h. No structural changes were needed for the new top. Thanks to the new McLaren Carbon Fibre Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), lightweight Ethernet electrical architecture, and Telematics Control Units (TCU) it weighs just 1,560 kg (with fluids), which is incredible for a hybrid.
Inspired by jet fighter cockpit design, all major controls are placed within close proximity in the cabin for two. Drenched in leather upholstery, Alcantara, and carbon fibre, the exquisite cabin helps justify its million-plus dirham price tag. Despite its compact cabin, a great driving posture is also ensured thanks to the chunky 3-spoke steering wheel, thin but well-positioned bucket seats and an instrument binnacle that moves with the adjustable steering column.
Two high-definition screens provide rich, clear 3D graphics for instrumentation and infotainment. However, the 8.0-inch portrait-oriented central screen, while colourful and responsive, feels small for 2025.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
This is a PHEV, and a true performance hybrid at that. Its primary source of propulsion is a twin-turbo 3.0 V6, which puts out 605 PS of max. power and 585 Nm of torque. It is complemented by a 95 PS e-motor that draws charge from a 7.4 kWh battery. Together, they produce a staggering 700 PS and 720 Nm of torque from the V6 engine and Axial Flux E-Motor.
Push that orange starter button, and it switches on in silence. It moves quietly with limited power and a certain clunkiness, but it grants you around 33 km of emission-free range. What’s even more impressive is the claimed 108 g CO2/km emissions. Switch to Comfort or Sport or Track, using the conveniently located toggling switch on the binnacle, and the V6 will fire up. Give it the full monty, and it will scream to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. Keep the right foot down and it will eclipse 200 km/h in just 8.4 seconds and cross the quarter-mile in 10.8 seconds. With its rear-wheel-drive layout, 700 horses is a lot of power to handle, but the Clear Spinning-Wheel Pull-Away feature enables a more aggressive launch by disengaging the ESC and locking the rear differential, allowing the Artura to surge ahead. Pulling the metallic paddles is a delight, with gear shifts faster than ever, though switching between basic drive modes shows some hesitation.
The low centre of gravity, aggressive double wishbone front & multi-link rear setup, and Proactive Damping Control, work together to give it razor-sharp reflexes on the road. Pushing the chassis further rewards you with more grip. The electro-hydraulic steering helps by providing excellent feedback and thereby boosting driver confidence. Braking is authoritative, thanks to carbon ceramic discs (390 mm front; 380 mm rear) and forged aluminium brake calipers (6-piston front; 4-piston rear).
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
Most will opt for the award-winning Bowers & Wilkins Audio System, featuring metallic bass speakers integrated into the monocoque. Its musical reproduction is of a high grade. Surprisingly, the navigation system works well for locating landmarks too. There’s also a new optional wireless smartphone charger with a vertical orientation, though it’s inconveniently located behind the infotainment screen.
The other very practical feature is the lift system which raises the vehicle’s nose – in just 4 seconds – to avoid scraping the bumper’s bottom. Interior storage is limited, but there’s a 160-litre frunk accessible via the key fob, where you’ll find the charging cable. It also has just one cup holder, which is kind of odd.
VERDICT
From its stealth EV mode for short urban travel to the visceral, elemental thrill of open-air, performance driving, the Artura Spider is, in many ways, the complete supercar – the one that ticks all the boxes. It showcases all of McLaren’s expertise at 8/10ths of their capabilities. Plus, the electric-free drive and front lift kit give it everyday usability.
GOOD – Supercar styling; explosive acceleration; superior dynamics; silent and emission free EV mode; dihedral doors; quick-folding convertible
BAD – Drab to drive in EV mode; smallish central screen; limited luggage space; one cupholder
SPECIFICATIONS
Body type - 2-seater; 2-door premium high-performance convertible
Engine – Mid-engine; twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 + E-Motor w/ 7.4 kWh battery; rear-wheel drive
Transmission – 8-speed DCT (automated manual)
Top speed – 330 km/h (electronically limited; claimed)
Price - Starts at Dh1,200,000
approximately